Newborn photography is a great way to document the first few weeks of your baby’s life and create memories that will last a lifetime, but a successful photo shoot depends on many factors coming together cohesively. While newborns can be unpredictable, there are some things you can do to help the process go as smoothly as possible. It can be helpful to have a consultation with your photographer first, as they may be able to provide information about what to expect during the shoot or how you can make sure your baby is prepared. In the meantime, follow the tips outlined in this blog post, courtesy of Rachel McFarlin Photography.

Make Sure Baby Eats First

Before the photo session, make sure your baby has been fed and burped. This will help ensure that he is content and relaxed during the shoot and will prevent unexpected meltdowns or gas-related fussiness. If possible, schedule the photo session for a time of day when he’s typically the most calm.

Keep Baby Awake Before the Shoot

Many photographers feel it’s best to keep a baby awake for a little while before a photo session. With newborns, this can be tricky, but if you’re able to keep them from sleeping, it might ensure that they stay asleep through the photo shoot. Often, it’s easier to work with babies who aren’t wide awake, especially if you want several different poses or outfit changes.

Create a Plan With Your Photographer

Before the photo session, talk with your photographer about any special needs you or your baby might have. This will allow them to create the perfect environment for both of you, or they may offer a home photo session so you can set up the shoot in a comfortable and familiar space. If your session will include other children, talk to your photographer about how to plan for each shot for efficiency’s sake. This will save time and keep things rolling smoothly so you can stay stress-free.

Use Adobe Express to Make the Most of Your Photos

Once the photo session is over, you can use a free online platform like Adobe Express to make the most of your photos. These tools will allow you to make keepsakes or online posts to share your baby’s images with friends and loved ones. Here are a few examples of the projects you can make:

• Share your big news with the world by creating a custom baby announcement! This is so easy with Adobe’s tools, and you can choose from a variety of colors and fonts to personalize the final look.
• Create a slideshow to share with friends and family, or just to view yourself on your computer. You can even add fun music along with your favorite shots from the session. You can customize your slideshow with text, as well.
• Create a beautiful photo calendar that uses a different newborn photo for each month of the year. This makes a great gift for loved ones who live far away. Adobe’s templates make the process easy; the hardest part is deciding which photos to use!

• Make a stunning photo card to send out to friends or family. This is perfect during the holidays! Choose from a large variety of templates and fonts to personalize your card.